Based on the completion of the Undergraduate Competencies Self-Assessment, I have identified that the top 3 competencies I would like to develop are “Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills”, “Agility and Adaptability Skills” and “Initiative taking and Entrepreneurial Skills”. These competencies were chosen based on what I reflected and what I thought needed improvement while I am still pursuing my undergraduate degree.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills. Goal 1:
By August 30, 2017, I will express my ideas clearly and being able to view a problem from different perspective before arriving at a solution. This will both be useful for me during assignments or my workplace as it demonstrates my ability to not rush my judgement.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills, Goal 2:
By August 30, 2017, I will develop my ability to ask good questions to generate new ideas which create new problems that can be solved.
Why I Selected This Competency?
I selected it because critical thinking and problem solving skills play a large role in my success as a student and an employee, along with demonstrating that I have a good mindset of being able to approach problems in a variety of ways. Furthermore, I felt that I did not give enough consideration before attempting to solve a problem and that by taking a more active approach of critical thinking, I can further improve myself.
Agility and Adaptability Skills, Goal 1:
By August 1, 2017, I will be able to deal with uncertain, ambiguous and unpredictable situations with confidence and being firm in my decisions. To arrive at this goal, I will try to understand the situation as much as possible before deciding. I will utilize my professor’s feedback on assignments and my employer’s feedback on my work to incorporate their experience so that I can adapt.
Agility and Adaptability Skills, Goal 2:
By July 15, 2017, I will work efficiently and quickly acquire, build, share and apply knowledge to complete the tasks assigned to me by both my manager and my professors. To do this I will meet with them during office hours or when they are free, to receive feedback and use that feedback to improve how I complete assignments or work.
Why I Selected This Competency?
Adapting is essential in this world, and it will be what leads to my success in the future or my downfall as there is a lot of competition for jobs, my ability to adapt will help me distinguish myself from my competitors. In addition, it helps me to develop a strong approach to any situation or obstacle as I would be more prepared to face anything that comes my way.
Initiative and Entrepreneurship, Goal 1:
By August 30, 2017, I will take more risks, whether it is for coming up with a different way of solving assignments or presenting new ideas during my workplace. I will do this by gradually building up the risks I take through small assignments or work tasks, and then take bigger risks for class or work projects.
Initiative and Entrepreneurship, Goal 2:
By July 10, 2017, I will have more faith in my ideas and follow through on them. To do so, I will use the feedback I receive from assignments from my professor or manager to build my confidence that what I am doing is correct. Using that confidence and approval, I can develop more faith within myself.
Why I Selected This Competency?
Taking risks leads to a higher reward and in general helps promote growth as even if the risk ends up being a failure, it is a learning experience and helps to increase the probability of success with the next risk. In addition, the ability to take risks demonstrates that I am not scared to put myself out there and I am willing to do whatever it takes for the best outcome.
Eric Dao 